POLICE are investigating a ‘suspicious’ car fire in West Dorset.

The incident was reported at 7.24am on Sunday (November 10), involving a vehicle fire on the A35 near the Charmouth Roundabout.

Officers attended assisted as the fire service extinguished the fire.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said the fire is believed to have been started deliberately, with the vehicle believed to have been stolen from an address in Wiltshire.

“It was further alleged that a wallet had been stolen from a staff area in Charmouth and the victim’s bank card had been used to pay for a taxi from Charmouth to Dorchester,” a police spokesperson said.

“Following enquiries, a 43-year-old woman from Shaftesbury was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, theft of a motor vehicle and burglary.

“A 24-year-old man from Wincanton in Somerset was arrested on suspicion of arson, fraud by false representation, theft of a motor vehicle and burglary.”

They have both been released on police bail while enquiries continue, they added.

Sergeant Scott Williams, of Dorset Police, said: “As part of my investigation, I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in relation to the vehicle fire on the A35.

“I would ask motorists with a dashcam travelling in the area around the relevant time on Sunday morning to please check their footage for anything that may assist my enquiries.”

A fire crew from Charmouth was sent to the scene and said a tree had caught fire in the incident, which was dealt with using a hose reel jet and two breathing apparatus, as well as small tools.

“Luckily, no one was injured,” a Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55240173263, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.